Fire crews using detection equipment have identified high levels of natural gas in the atmosphere. Around 1,450 people have been evacuated from a nearby hotel and a nightclub.
Station Manager Brett Loft said:
“This is a large gas leak in the street and as a precaution we have evacuated people and Charing Cross Station is closed. Commuters are advised to find alternative route and The Strand is closed.
“Gas engineers are working on isolating the leak and we’d asked people to avoid the area if possible.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Charing Cross station is currently closed owing to a gas leak in a nearby road. We will reopen the station as soon as we have clearance from emergency services that it is safe to do so. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused.”
Passengers can check how their journeys will be affected at www.nationalrail.co.uk
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The Brigade was called at 0200. Two fire engines, two fire rescue units and around 20 firefighters are at the scene.